Date:         Tue, 6 Jul 2021 14:38:26 -0700
Reply-To:     Bruce Todd <beeceetee@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bruce Todd <beeceetee@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Starter question
Comments: To: Douglas Toomey <drt@uoregon.edu>
In-Reply-To:  <77B5EDB2-28BF-44A4-8942-913E4A0381F2@uoregon.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

Hi Douglas - Have you tried banging the starter with a hammer or wrench
just as a quick try?  The clicking sound I think means power is
transferring to the solenoid and it is trying to engage the starter - but
the starter is not engaging hence the click.  Could mean no power at the
starter or the starter has resistance, is jammed or broken.

Best wait for the technical heavies to weigh in and make sure I am steering
you in the right direction.

Bruce

On Tue, Jul 6, 2021 at 2:06 PM Douglas Toomey <drt@uoregon.edu> wrote:

> All,
>
> The van developed a starting problem over the past couple of days.  The
> battery is fully charged, newish, and fine. Also tried jumping the car; no
> go.  I can push start it. Tested a second ignition switch.  Both the
> original and the spare cause an audible clicking of the starter motor.
>
> Current symptoms:  Turn key over, hear fuel pump.  Move key to start, hear
> clicking of starter motor
>
> Questions:
>
> 1) The Bentley shows taking the starter apart to clean commutator.  Is
> that recommended?
>
> 2) How can I be sure it is starter?  Can it be the solenoid?
>
> 3) Local shop what carries GoWesty parts is closed this week. Any
> suggestions on where to get a new starter motor and type?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Doug
>